Centerville & Corsica River (Chesapeake Bay) Steam Boat Company Unissued Stock Certificate 1880s
Centerville & Corsica River (Chesapeake Bay) Steam Boat Company Unissued Stock Certificate 1880s
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Are the certificates authentic?
Are the certificates authentic?
Yes, all of the certificates we sell are authentic stock and bond certificates unless otherwise mentioned in the description. At one point in time, this certificate represented a share of of the company, or a bond receipt. These certificates have been removed from circulation and digitalized, as seen by cancellation holes, stamps and writing on the certificate. We offer these certificates as a collectable item, not a security.
This is an unissued stock certificate from the Centerville & Corsica River Steamboat Company, dating to the 1880s. Printed with ornate green borders and classic engraved typography, the certificate remains blank, never issued to a shareholder.
At the top, the vignette illustration depicts a steamboat, symbolizing the company’s role in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay trade routes.
The company operated along the Corsica River, a tributary of the Chester River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, providing a crucial link between the town of Centreville and the commercial hub of Baltimore. In an era before widespread railroads and automobiles, steamboats like these were lifelines for transporting both passengers and goods — including farm produce, oysters, lumber, and manufactured goods.
Local investors purchased shares in the company as a way to strengthen regional commerce and connect small rural communities to the broader economy. Certificates such as this represent the speculative optimism of 19th-century transportation expansion in America.
By the early 20th century, advances in railroad and automobile transport made small steamboat companies obsolete, and many, including this line, were absorbed or dissolved. Today, these certificates stand as historical artifacts, preserving the story of the Chesapeake steamboat era and its vital role in Maryland’s economic growth.
A fine piece of maritime and transportation history, perfect for collectors of regional Americana, nautical history, or antique financial documents
Materials and care
Materials and care
Here are some quick tips to preserve your certificate for decades to come.
Paper quality: Stock certificates were printed on a variety of certificate paper dating back to the mid 1800s. Most of these vintage collectable certificates have signs of used & wear , cancellation holes, pencil / pen writing, stamps, staples, adhesives, slight rips, missing coupons and other features.
Handling: Always handle the certificate with clean, dry hands or use cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your skin onto the paper.
Storage: Store the certificate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Use acid-free folders or archival-quality plastic sleeves to protect it from moisture, dust, and physical damage.
Framing: If displaying the certificate, use a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent light damage. Ensure the certificate is mounted using acid-free materials to avoid any chemical reactions that could degrade the paper over time.
Avoid Exposure: Keep the certificate away from direct sun, extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause the paper to warp or deteriorate. Avoid exposing it to pollutants, such as smoke or chemicals, which can cause discoloration.
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